Tanjong Batu rep urges federal update on flood aid for Bintulu victims outside PPS
File photo of rescuers looking for stranded victims at Taman Jason Bintulu during the Jan 29 flood.
KUCHING (May 23): Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang has called on the relevant federal authorities to provide updates on flood relief assistance for Bintulu residents affected by the recent floods who did not stay in temporary evacuation centres (PPS).
Speaking during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, Pang said that while many victims who sought shelter at PPS had received aid under the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), others who stayed with relatives or friends are still waiting.
'My service centre has helped many of these victims prepare and submit their applications. We ask that the relevant ministry give this matter its due attention, and update us on the status of these applications,' he said.
Pang noted that the January floods were among the most devastating in Bintulu's recent history, displacing thousands and causing widespread property damage.
'Thousands of families were affected, homes were damaged, and hundreds of vehicles were lost in just a matter of hours,' he said.
He also referenced an earlier visit to Bintulu by the Deputy Prime Minister during the floods, during which assurances were made that all victims – including those who did not stay in PPS – would receive assistance.
'But until now, nearly four months later, they are still waiting silently, and with growing concern,' he said.
'There are cries from the people of my kawasan, asking: 'What happened to the assistance mentioned? What is the status of our application?'' he added.
Pang stressed that the appeal was not to assign blame but to seek clarity and ensure that those who suffered losses receive the aid they were promised.
'Even a small amount of bantuan can help ease their burden, give them dignity, and restore a little bit of hope after such hardship,' he said.
He further urged the government to look into long-term solutions for Bintulu's flood mitigation and drainage issues, monitor landslide-prone areas, and address sewerage and road maintenance problems.
'The severe flood has also highlighted the need to upgrade outdated drainage systems in Bintulu, particularly in older residential areas,' he said, urging for a comprehensive flood mitigation plan to be developed.
On traffic issues, Pang also raised concerns over the slow progress of the Medan Flyover Project, calling for tighter supervision from the Public Works Department (JKR) and more permanent solutions for pothole-ridden roads under Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and JKR jurisdiction. Bintulu DUN federal flood aid johnny pang
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